hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

Low Alcohol Sussex Best

United Kingdom·Alcohol-Free Pale Ale
Tap to rate

The 0.5% version of Sussex Best, brewed exactly like the original and stripped of its alcohol just before bottling. It was sold as 'John Hop' before taking its present name. Copper in colour and lighter on the palate than its parent, it stays malt-forward, with hop, malt and caramel on the nose, a bittersweet balance and the hoppy finish of four hop varieties.

ABV
0.5%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden8
PaceSession

AWARDS

Silver · 2026
World Beer Awards
★Silver — World Beer Awards
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
hoppymaltycaramel
hoppy
malty
caramel
citrusy
Aroma
The nose opens with a balanced interplay of four hop varieties and Malz character, neither overwhelming the other.
not found:juicy,roasted,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Low Alcohol Sussex Best

◎ Appearance

Copper hue with bright clarity and modest carbonation befitting its low alcohol nature. The head forms quickly but settles to a thin collar, with delicate lacing clinging to the glass as it recedes. The body appears light and approachable, inviting without demanding intensity.

copper, clearfine carbonationdelicate lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with a balanced interplay of four hop varieties and Malz character, neither overwhelming the other. Caramel sweetness rounds out the mid-range, adding depth to what might otherwise read as purely herbal. The overall profile is inviting and approachable, with enough complexity to hold interest without aggression.

hop-forwardcaramel sweetnessbalanced malt

◐ Taste

Entry is malt-centric but not heavy, allowing the four-variety hop blend to emerge across the palate. A bittersweet tension develops mid-sip, where residual sweetness from the Malz meets restrained herbal bitterness without either dominating. The reduced alcohol allows these elements to sit in natural proportion, creating a session-friendly balance.

bittersweet balancemalt-forwardherbal hop

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and hoppy, with the four hop varieties asserting a clean, slightly grassy farewell. Aftertaste remains crisp and brief, leaving the palate ready for the next sip rather than lingering heavily.

dry hoppyclean finish
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
77
Taste
78
Appearance
76
Finish
79
Serve at 7–10°C

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with Low Alcohol Sussex Best

More from Harvey's Brewery

1859 Porter
1859 Porter
Porter
4.8% · 33 IBU
Find matches →
Albion Ale
Albion Ale
Ordinary Bitter
4% · 28 IBU
Find matches →
Armada Ale
Armada Ale
Golden Ale
4.5% · 20 IBU
Find matches →
Black Stout
Black Stout
Stout
4.8% · 35 IBU
Find matches →
Bonfire Boy
Bonfire Boy
Amber Ale
5.8% · 28 IBU
Find matches →
Christmas Ale
Christmas Ale
Barleywine
7.5% · 50 IBU
Find matches →
Dark Mild
Dark Mild
Dark Mild
3% · 24 IBU
Find matches →
Easter Ale
Easter Ale
Amber Ale
5.6% · 28 IBU
Find matches →

About Alcohol-Free Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Alcohol-Free Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar Alcohol-Free Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, malty, caramel character as Low Alcohol Sussex Best will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →